Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlineProcessEasy
A project manager is leading a project to develop a new internal training program. During the execution phase, a key subject matter expert (SME) informs the project manager that a critical regulatory change, effective next month, will impact the content of several core modules. This change was not anticipated during planning. What should the project manager do FIRST?
- AInform the project sponsor immediately about the unexpected regulatory change and its potential impact.
- BAnalyze the impact of the regulatory change on the project objectives, scope, schedule, and cost.
- CAssign a team member to research the full details of the regulatory change and its implications.
- DUpdate the project schedule to reflect the new tasks required due to the regulatory change.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Analyze the impact of the regulatory change on the project objectives, scope, schedule, and cost.
Before taking any action or communicating to stakeholders, the project manager must first understand the full impact of the change. This analysis will inform subsequent decisions, communications, and adjustments to the project plan. Without understanding the impact, any other action would be premature.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While communication is important, it should be informed by an initial impact analysis to provide meaningful information to the sponsor.
- C. Assigning a team member to research is part of the 'analyze the impact' step, but the project manager's direct responsibility is to initiate and oversee this analysis of project implications.
- D. Updating the schedule is a step that comes after assessing the impact and deciding on a course of action.
Change Request Impact Analysis
The process of evaluating how a proposed or unplanned change will affect the project's scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, and risks.
- Performed before approving or rejecting a change.
- Helps stakeholders understand the consequences of a change.
- Involves assessing both positive and negative impacts.
Memory trick: When change hits, first 'SEE' what it means.